Leaving from · AUSTRALIA

15 Day Trips from Australia Worth the Early Start

24 day trips  ·  from $67 a head

A day trip lives or dies on the hours between pickup and drop-off. These 15 day trips from australia use them well, priced and timed so you can choose in minutes.

From Sydney: Blue Mountains Full-Day Trip - Leura Village gives you lunch freedom
Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Full-Day, Mountain Day Trips, Tour Reviews

From Sydney: Blue Mountains Full-Day Trip

1.From Sydney: Blue Mountains Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,471 reviews · 10 hours · from $148Our pick

Spend 10 hours exploring the Blue Mountains with an English-speaking guide such as Ben, Aaron, Max, or Jed. Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, feed kangaroos, see the Three Sisters at Echo Point, ride Scenic World’s Cableway, Skyway, and Railway, stop in Leura, then cruise the Parramatta River to Circular Quay.

“All aspects were great. Coach a little uncomfortable but the trip and views were great. A must do activity.”

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Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney Including Scenic World - Echo Point and the Three Sisters
Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Mountain Day Trips, Tour Reviews

Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney Including Scenic World

2.Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney Including Scenic World

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,420 reviews · from $150

Spend about 10 hours visiting Featherdale Wildlife Park, Echo Point, Leura, and Scenic World on a guided trip from Sydney. The price includes park admission, all three Scenic World rides, transport, commentary, and a river cruise back toward Circular Quay or Darling Harbour. Guides may include Ben, Aaron, Robert, Jed, or Jared.

“Our driver Ben was organised, on-time and very knowledgeable. He was always helpful and friendly. Although some of the attractions were quite busy at times, he gave us advice to make the best use of our time to ensure we saw as much as possible. 5 stars!!!”

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From Brisbane: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip - The 75-minute cruise across Moreton Bay
Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Day Trips from Brisbane, Full-Day, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Australia, Tour Reviews

From Brisbane: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

3.From Brisbane: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,108 reviews · 1 day · from $126

Take a 75-minute cruise from Brisbane or the Gold Coast to Moreton Island, then follow English-speaking guides such as Ryan, Will, Jacob, or Darcy through snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, transparent-kayak sessions, 4WD beach and bush tracks, and fast sand toboggan runs. Lunch wraps, water, equipment, and safety gear are included.

“One of the best things we’ve done so far! All the guides were amazing, super chatty, easy going and a good laugh. All the activities were SO much fun! Felt on a high all day! Lunch was build your own wrap, loads of options for all dietaries, we also had crisps and cookies which was a nice surprise. All around a fantastic day trip and would recommend to anyone looking to book- worth every penny.”

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Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip - Mossman Gorge begins with culture, not scenery
Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Day Trips from Cairns, Tour Reviews, Valley and Gorge Day Trips

Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip

4.Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,961 reviews · from $164

Travel from Cairns in a small, air-conditioned coach to Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, and the Daintree. You’ll join a Kuku Yalanji Welcome to Country and smoke ceremony, cruise the Daintree River, walk through rainforest, enjoy lunch, and stop where the rainforest meets the reef. Guides such as Patrick, Michael, Noel, and Sampo are known for lively local commentary.

“A very well coordinated tour of the Daintree rainforest, the river and some crocs, cape tribulation, mossman gorge, and lots of info given throughout.”

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Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip with Optional Extras - The 45-minute ferry from Cairns
Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Day Trips from Cairns, Full-Day, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Australia, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip with Optional Extras

5.Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip with Optional Extras

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,668 reviews · 8 hours · from $67Best value

Take a 45-minute fast ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, then set your own pace for up to seven hours. Walk five rainforest trails, swim, snorkel near White Rock, or add a glass-bottom boat ride, snorkel gear, and picnic lunch. The island is 94 percent protected rainforest, with options for easy walkers and active hikers.

“We really enjoyed our time at Fitzroy Island. As we were visiting on a cruise we realised we couldn't do the full day return but the team were quick to resolve this by rebooking our return ferry for an earlier time. The trip over to the island departed on time and the ferry was clean and comfortable. There was quite a long queue to get the stinger suits and snorkels and we were waiting for a long time. The island itself is fantastic but be warned its quite the little trek to the beach area but fully work it. Snorkeling is good near the white rock but there are some…”

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Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip - The 8:00 AM start at B Finger
Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Day Trips from Cairns, Snorkeling and Diving Day Trips, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

6.Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,528 reviews · 8 hours · from $166

From Cairns, AquaQuest takes you 90 minutes to two outer reef sites at Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs. You get up to five hours in the water, guided snorkeling, equipment, meals, hot showers, and optional scuba with staff such as Vanessa and Mazie. It suits confident swimmers, beginners, and first-time scuba participants aged 12 and up.

“We had a great time on the trip, the staff were so lovely and helpful if you were nervous. The boat ride was lovely and smooth and the lunch was great selection of buffet and tea and coffee all day. Would definitely recommend and would go with them again. Had a great time see all sorts of fish, big turtle and sharks. Made our honeymoon very memorable, especially the photos they took of you in the water that you can purchase”

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Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns - What the 7-hour day actually feels like
Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Day Trips from Cairns, Tour Reviews, Train and Cable Car Day Trips

Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

7.Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,075 reviews · from $150

Travel from Cairns to Kuranda by historic railway, then return above the rainforest on Skyrail. You get free time in Kuranda, two Skyrail lookout stops, and optional visits to koalas, butterflies, birds, or Rainforestation. Hotel pickup is offered, but this is mainly a self-guided day rather than a fully guided tour.

“Great informative guide, very well done…. Would have liked the option to purchase a cold drink on the train 🙂 shy rail was fantastic -all staff were helpful”

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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne - Meeting koalas at the Conservation Reserve
Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Day Trips from Melbourne, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Australia, Tour Reviews

Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

8.Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 775 reviews · from $125Top rated

Leave Melbourne for Phillip Island’s Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, the Nobbies, and the famous Penguin Parade. Your driver-guide handles the long return journey, wildlife-park entries, and timing. Expect a social group of up to 38 people, about nine and a half hours on the road, and a chilly evening beside the penguin viewing platforms.

“When we booked it, it showed a kind of burrow with a glass front that we were to be in...there was nothing like that there”

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Sydney: Jervis Bay Day Trip with Dolphins, Roos & Beach Time - The early start at Christ Church St Laurence
Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Australia, Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Sydney: Jervis Bay Day Trip with Dolphins, Roos & Beach Time

9.Sydney: Jervis Bay Day Trip with Dolphins, Roos & Beach Time

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 643 reviews · 12 hours · from $120

Travel south from Sydney with an English or Portuguese-speaking guide such as James, Aurelio, or Al, then cruise Jervis Bay for bottlenose dolphins, walk the white sands of Hyams Beach, and spot kangaroos in Booderee National Park. The small group, capped at 20, keeps the day personal, but expect a long ride and bring lunch money.

“We had a fantastic day out with Nick as our guide. Cruise with dolphins, a nice long swim at the gorgeous Hymes beach, wallabies at Green Patch - it was superb.”

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Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast - Getting across Moreton Bay by ferry
Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Australia, Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Day Trips from Brisbane, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Australia, River and Rafting Day Trips, Snorkeling and Diving Day Trips, Tour Reviews

Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast

10.Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 633 reviews · from $128

Spend a long, action-packed day on Moreton Island with guides including Michelle, Ryan, Darcy, Will, and Jacob. Ride a 4WD to the Tangalooma Wrecks for snorkeling and transparent kayaking, then sandboard down the dunes. Lunch and equipment are included, but ferry and park fees cost extra.

“It was really good, a bit rushed because all the activities, but really nice! It is worth it, you should try”

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Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne - The Nobbies and Seal Rocks in a short coastal stop
Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Day Trips from Melbourne, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Australia, Small-Group Day Trips, Tour Reviews

Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne

11.Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 566 reviews · from $150

Travel from Melbourne in a minivan with a guide such as Travis, Josh, or Adam, stopping at Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s famous Penguin Parade. You’ll feed wallabies, spot Australian wildlife, learn about conservation, and watch little penguins return to shore. Expect a long afternoon and late evening, with warm clothes essential.

“Our tour guide Travis was very engaging & enthusiastic which was contagious. Although the day was rainy the experience at the sanctuary Amazing - the koalas, wallabies and kangaroos were awesome!!! They were all friendly and the experience of petting and feeding them was memorable. This tour is something everyone coming to Australia should experience.”

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Yulara: Uluru Sunrise and Kata Tjuta Day Trip by Bus - Talinguru Nyakunytjaku and the first light on Uluru
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Yulara: Uluru Sunrise and Kata Tjuta Day Trip by Bus

12.Yulara: Uluru Sunrise and Kata Tjuta Day Trip by Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 469 reviews · 5 hours · from $140

Leave Yulara about 90 minutes before sunrise for Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, where tea or coffee accompanies wide views of Uluru. Then visit Kata Tjuta, learn about Anangu culture, geology, plants and animals, and walk the rocky 1.2-kilometre track through Walpa Gorge. AAT Kings guides such as Glenn, Alex and Hayley are praised for clear commentary.

“Great trip, a little bit short when it comes to sunrise. I think group should have additional 20 mins to enjoy, not to rush to another point right away. Especially that trip has ended little bit earlier than scheduled. Otherwise really good, it will take half a day in Uluru, you can still plan for the second half.”

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Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with ATV Quad Bike Tour - Arriving at Tangalooma Island Resort
Cycling Tours, Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Day Trips from Brisbane, Desert and Camel Day Trips, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Australia, Quad Bikes, Tour Reviews, Tours

Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with ATV Quad Bike Tour

13.Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with ATV Quad Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 467 reviews · 1 day · from $119

Travel from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort by high-speed boat, then spend the day between the beach, pools, wildlife talks, lunch outlets, and a guided 45-minute ATV tour. The package costs $119 and includes resort access, a $25 lunch voucher, one boat drink, helmets, and return transfers.

“I loved it as you get to ride on the berms and the team make it safe but not boring. Tour very flexible and the ATV staff really chill.”

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Hobart: Port Arthur & Tasman Park Full-Day Trip with Cruise - From Hobart to Richmond Bridge
Boat and Cruise Day Trips, Boat Day Trips in Australia, Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Full-Day, Tour Reviews

Hobart: Port Arthur & Tasman Park Full-Day Trip with Cruise

14.Hobart: Port Arthur & Tasman Park Full-Day Trip with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 442 reviews · 8h 30m · from $120

Spend a full day tracing Tasmania’s convict past and rugged coast with Gray Line Tasmania. You’ll visit Richmond Bridge, Tasman Arch, Pirates Bay, Port Arthur, Remarkable Cave, and the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry, with a harbor cruise around the Isle of the Dead. Guides such as Phil, Colin, Mark, and Evan are known for lively commentary.

“Our guide, Phil, provided so much interesting information! He really made the trip an excellent one.”

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Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island Day: Wildlife & Beaches - Starting in Brisbane and crossing Moreton Bay
Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Australia, Day Trips from Australia, Day Trips from Brisbane, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Australia, Tour Reviews, Wildlife and Safari Day Trips

Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island Day: Wildlife & Beaches

15.Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island Day: Wildlife & Beaches

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 391 reviews · 1 day · from $134

Spend a full day on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island with a small group and guides such as Anton, Ivy, Jack, and Tess. Ride the ferry from Cleveland, walk the North Gorge, watch for whales, swim at Cylinder Beach, and seek koalas at Amity Point. Lunch is your own choice, and pickup is available from Brisbane or Cleveland.

“We met at the Pullman hotel at 08.35, departed via mini bus at 08.45 and arrived at the Ferry terminal at around 09.45. We boarded the ferry at 10.15 and arrived at North Stradbroke Island around 11.15. Overall, it was a fantastic day with great weather. We saw rays, turtles, dolphins, kangaroos, koalas, ospreys, kookaburras, wallabies and lizards. The beaches and coastline of the island is beautiful. There are regular toilet breaks and cafes with a chance to buy food and drink. We arrived back at the hotel at 19.15.”

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Just added to Day Trips from Australia

★ 4.7Airlie Beach: Cedar Creek Falls & Northerlies Beach Day TripFrom $112122 reviews
★ 4.5Airlie Beach: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Day TripFrom $211156 reviews
★ 5.0Agnes/1770: Southern Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Day TripFrom $21122 reviews

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